(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHPORT, CT – The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held its most recent conference and buying show at the new Marriott Marquis Hotel and Convention Center in Houston, TX. IJO has made a practice of “leaving its mark” on host communities, having donated in excess of $350,000 to charities such as Make-A-Wish, First Candle, Paws for Patriots, Cure Autism Now and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few.
The Houston Food Bank is the largest source of food for hunger relief charities in 18 southeast Texas counties. Each year, the Food Bank feeds 800,000 individuals through a network of 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other charities.
According to IJO President and CEO Jeff Roberts, “The Houston area was devastated by Hurricane Harvey, and the Houston Food Bank was strained beyond its limits. We felt the devastation was not limited just to the city of Houston itself but all the outlying areas as well, and by choosing this particular charity it would have a more far-reaching effect.”
IJO headquarters matched the amount donated by IJO members.
“While it has been seven months since Hurricane Harvey impacted Houston, for tens to hundreds of thousands of Texans the long-term effects are still being felt and the need for assistance continues. With the help and support of residents, businesses and organizations, such as Independent Jewelers Organization, we are able to help provide much-needed food and water,” says Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank. “IJO’s generous donation of $18,000 will provide 54,000 meals to those in need.”
For further information on the Houston Food Bank, go to www.houstonfoodbank.org. To inquire about membership in IJO go to www.ijo.com or call Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252.
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Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
